Naruto vs. Zabuza

As soon as Kakashi and Sasuke caught sight of their enemy, their eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Both were silently grumbling to themselves, thinking, How could any enemy fall for this?

Ninjas are known to be rational, calm under pressure, and difficult to provoke. Yet here they were, less than five minutes in, watching a towering figure—about 1.8 meters tall—charging towards them like an enraged bull, his eyes glowing red and his body radiating steam. He wielded a massive knife, and it was obvious that Naruto had successfully gotten under his skin.

Even Dazna, the old man they were protecting, gasped. Could it be that this guy actually has a thing for men? Is this what goes on in the Hidden Mist Village? Or was there something more sinister lurking beneath the Blood Mist era? Kakashi even speculated whether the "sexy" techniques the Mist Village had developed over the years were the brainchild of a male-loving Mizukage. Perhaps the village's isolationist policies were just an excuse to hold movie parties in secret.

Scary! Kakashi thought, as the absurd idea took root in his mind. Sasuke, Kakashi, and even Dazna all felt a shiver run down their spines as their bodies instinctively recoiled in the face of the terrifying image they had conjured up.

Zabuza, meanwhile, was fuming. His mind went blank for a second, but the anger in his chest erupted like a volcano. "Damn brat! I'll kill you!"

Consumed by rage, Zabuza abandoned all tactics. No more subtle ninjutsu or careful sneak attacks—he only wanted to crush that blond kid underfoot with his massive blade. He wasn't just angry—he was worried. Haku, his young protégé, was nearby. What if Haku misunderstood what that kid said? he thought in panic.

Hiding in the mist, Haku watched Zabuza with tender eyes, replaying Naruto's taunts in his mind. Could it be... that Mr. Zabuza really feels that way?

Naruto's taunt had been too effective. Zabuza was beyond reason now—his only goal was to silence the brat, and then figure out the mission later.

Huffing with fury, Zabuza swung his beheading sword at Naruto, the blade whistling through the air. Naruto barely managed to hold his own, clutching a huge iron gate as a makeshift shield. He had intended to test his strength, but this bizarre weapon was proving surprisingly useful.

This yellow-haired kid... Zabuza's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Naruto brandishing the door panel. Is he really using a door to block my attacks? What kind of ninja is this?!

Even Sasuke, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but shudder. His eyes were locked on Zabuza's beheading sword, and he suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of longing.

Sakura, noticing Sasuke's strange behavior, asked, "Sasuke, are you okay? I see you…"

"Xuanzhong Ruler!" Sasuke blurted out, pointing excitedly at Zabuza's massive sword.

"Huh? What's a Xuanzhong Ruler?" Sakura asked, puzzled.

Sasuke ignored her question, still fixated on Zabuza's weapon. Ever since he read a certain novel, he had fantasized about wielding a massive weapon like the protagonist Xiao Yan. His former preference for a sleek tachi had been replaced by a longing for something as imposing as the Xuanzhong Ruler. And now, seeing Zabuza's sword up close, Sasuke couldn't contain his excitement.

Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, Sakura... Sasuke thought, his mind racing. I need that sword!

Seeing Sasuke's sudden change in demeanor, Kakashi felt a pang of concern. Is Sasuke starting to act like Naruto? he wondered, feeling a sense of unease.

"I'll go help Naruto!" Sasuke announced, his body crackling with lightning as he vanished from sight, moving so fast that even Kakashi was taken aback. Clearly, Sasuke had cranked his Lightning Style to maximum power in his excitement.

Just as Zabuza and Naruto were clashing with their unconventional weapons, the sound of crackling electricity filled the air. Naruto recognized it immediately. "Sasuke! Use a hundred thousand volts, quickly!"

Zabuza, focused solely on Naruto, ignored the command and kicked the door panel Naruto was holding. Distracted, Naruto had been waiting for Sasuke to act, but instead found himself shoved back several steps by Zabuza's powerful kick.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!" Sasuke shouted from the side, launching his attack. Instead of following Naruto's instructions, he opted for a flashy move, further inciting Zabuza's rage.

The fireball hurtled towards Zabuza, and as it exploded, the moisture in the air intensified the surrounding mist. Sasuke grinned in satisfaction. Got him! he thought, already celebrating.

"Heh, your sword's pretty nice," Sasuke declared smugly. "It's mine now!"

Naruto could only stare in disbelief. Does this guy not realize it's always a bad idea to celebrate too early? he thought, shaking his head.

As if on cue, a whooshing sound cut through the mist. Why is Zabuza only focusing on me? Naruto thought frantically. Didn't Sasuke's attack even faze him?

"Brat, you're dead!" Zabuza roared, his beheading sword slicing through the air as he swung it at Naruto's head. The massive blade seemed destined to sever Naruto's head from his shoulders.

But Naruto didn't flinch. Instead, he braced himself and launched a rocket headbutt straight into Zabuza's stomach.

Let's go! Naruto thought. A close-quarters showdown!

Zabuza never expected the kid to close the gap so recklessly. His carefully planned attack had failed, but it didn't matter. How strong could a kid be? he scoffed internally.

"Oof—" Zabuza grunted as Naruto's head connected with his stomach. The impact forced the Demon of the Mist to double over in pain and sent him flying backward. His mind went blank from the shock, and for a moment, his brain was nothing but white noise.

Only one thought echoed in his head: What the hell is this yellow-haired brat? Why is he so damn strong?!